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Sea World Cruises launch new whale watching vessel

Sea World Cruises has unveiled Australia’s most advanced whale watching vessel, the Spirit of Migaloo II, in time for the upcoming humpback whale migration along the Gold Coast. The new $4million dollar, state-of-the-art vessel has been designed with six external viewing platforms and tiered stadium seating from sea level to the sun deck.

Bob East, Tourism Australia Chair said he is delighted to see this investment in tourism: “Whale watching is a thriving sector and this vessel will create amazing experiences and memories for visitors to the Gold Coast. Whale watching showcases Australia’s natural beauty and demonstrates the tourism sectors’ commitment to the environment and our marine life. Well done to the team on this endeavor.”

The Spirit of Migaloo II also features a VIP Captain’s Lounge, underwater video viewing for close encounters, informative movies and the opportunity to listen to whale songs live via the on board underwater hydrophone.

Sea World Cruises General Manager, Anthony Ardern said the team worked closely with local builders Aluminium Marine to ensure this is the most advanced whale watching vessel in the country.

“We can’t wait for guests to experience the Spirit of Migaloo II vessel as we embark on one of the best whale watching season’s ever with up to 30,000 whales expected to travel past the Gold Coast,” he said.

“The Gold Coast is as good a destination as any in the world for whale watching and our crew are enthusiastic to get out on the water in the new vessel. A memorable encounter with these majestic mammals is backed by our guarantee for every tour – see a whale or cruise again for free.”

“To celebrate the arrival of our new vessel and the start of the season, we are doing a pre-season special offer with adults at kid’s prices of $59.00 to be used at any time during the whale season.”

Acting Mayor Donna Gates said Gold Coasters can jump on board a Whale watching craft and travel just 20 minutes out to sea to see them up close in their natural habitat.

“The Gold Coast boasts the longest whale watching season on the east coast of Australia and many locals and tourists will, once again, get up close and personal with the largest living mammals on Earth during Whale watching season.”

The Gold Coast whale watching season runs from June to November. The whales migrate along the east coast of Australia on their annual journey to the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef to calve and mate before returning to Antarctic waters.

Sea World Cruises, whale watch tours will depart four times daily during the season with the experience going for two-and-half hours.